St. John Vianney on the Power of Fasting

“‘My friend, the devil is not greatly afraid of the discipline and other instruments of penance. That which beats him is the curtailment of one’s food, drink, and sleep. There is nothing the devil fears more, consequently, nothing is more pleasing to God. Oh! How often have I experienced it! Whilst I was alone - and I was alone during eight or nine years, and therefore quite free to yield to my attraction - it happened at times that I refrained from food for entire days . On those occasions I obtained, both for myself and others, whatsoever I asked of Almighty God.’”

Saint John Vianney from “The Cure D’Ars St. Jean-Marie-Baptiste Vianney” by Abbe Francis Trocho, TAN Books, Rockford, Illinois, page 125